Children observe and take in much more information than we give them credit for. They pick up on subtleties and underlying messages that sometimes adults don't even see.
So what can we do about this?
1. Be more critical of the books/media you have in your classroom or home.
2. Don't be afraid to talk to your students or other children in your life about the stereotypes that you come across.
3. Help your children to become more critical of what they are reading, watching or playing with.
By doing this, you are helping your student not only become better readers and writers, but you are helping them become better people.
This is a sensitive topic that I feel needs to be brought up. I agree we should be aware of what we teach our students, but it is also important that we bring up such ideas as well. Students should feel comfortable with them since at some point in their life, they will probably face them.
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